Today’s entry in Canes and Coffee’s ‘Back to School’ series stays in Finland but moves from the crease to the blue line.

Ville Rasanen

Representing the Hurricanes third 2017 draft pick from Finland, defenseman Ville Rasanen was selected by the Hurricanes in the seventh and final round. Rasanen split his 2016-17 season between U20 junior and men’s in Finland. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Rasanen possesses a frame that projects well for the NHL and also good skating ability. With that comes upside and hopefully a diamond in the rough in the seventh round.

Interview with Carolina Hurricanes Robert Kron, Head European Scout for the Carolina Hurricanes

About the interviewee

Robert Kron is the Head European Scout for the Carolina Hurricanes. Robert’s Hurricanes history dates back to the 1997-98 season when he was part of the inaugural Hurricanes team. In addition to three years with the Carolina Hurricanes, Robert’s NHL career spanned 12 seasons including three with the Carolina Hurricanes. In 771 games in the NHL, he scored 144 goals and collected 338 points.

Interview on Hurricanes prospect Ville Rasanen

Canes and Coffee: What jumped out to you and the scouting team about Ville Rasanen that put him on the Hurricanes draft list?

Robert Kron: Ville’s skating and hockey sense are two things that our scout Joni Pitkanen, a former Canes defenseman, pointed out when he saw him play. He is a player with very good upside and can develop into a sound two-way defenseman.

Canes and Coffee: What are the strengths and weaknesses of Ville Rasanen right now as a young prospect?

Robert Kron: Skating and hockey sense are both good with Ville. He needs to develop overall strength and add some muscle to his frame. He will also continue to develop his game away from the puck .

Canes and Coffee: What would you hope to see Ville Rasanen accomplish in 2017-18 to take the next step toward one day playing in the NHL?

Robert Kron: Ville has a chance to make a top team in Finnish Liiga and he he does that it would be huge step for him. At the same time, he is a young player that needs to play quality minutes in order to get better, so I would like to see him on a team where he will play a lot and take his game to next level. Defenseman have a tendency to take longer to mature, and it is important for them to play a lot so there is no pressure on him to make the big club just yet.

Canes and Coffee would like to extend a huge thank you to Robert Kron from the Carolina Hurricanes for generously sharing their insight on Hurricanes prospect Ville Rasanen!